Best Horror games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated horror games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free horror games are available at the bottom of the page.
The Infected
The Infected is a survival crafting game set in an open world sandbox. Build your base defend and protect yourself from wildlife and infected Vambies. (Hybrid Vampire-Zombie)Scrutinized
Work to expose the numerous criminal degenerates that plague your quiet town. Use citizen-issued reports, police records, social media accounts, text conversations, and more to determine who’s an actual threat and who’s harmless, all while avoiding the killers trying to infiltrate your home.Flicker of Hope
Flicker of Hope is a suspense thriller where you play as a small candle in the ruins of a dark cathedral. Though the halls are littered with victims of a mysterious plague, you are not the only soul left. Use the properties of a candle, and a trusty douter to prevent yourself from being discovered.Handy Harry's Haunted House Services
Team up with up to 8 friends online to explore the haunted, randomly generated depths of these dusty attics. Find and repair the objectives, flip the master switch and escape before the ghastly ghoul that lurks in the darkness catches up to you. Play through the career mode or explore free play!Hellpoint
Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop.Maid of Sker
Maid of Sker is a first-person survival horror, set in a remote hotel with a gory and macabre history from Welsh folklore. Brave the nightmares of the Quiet Ones. Do not panic…don’t even breathe!THE IMPOSSIBLE
THE IMPOSSIBLE is a minimal perspective illusion puzzle game. You control a small square in the IMPOSSIBLE world and remember: nothing is IMPOSSIBLE.[Chilla's Art] The Ghost Train | 幽霊列車
The Ghost Train | 幽霊列車 is a psychological train horror game.Hello Neighbor 2 Alpha 1.5
Hello Neighbor 2 is a Stealth Horror Game where you’re being stalked by a mysterious creature as you try to track down Mr. Peterson (The Neighbor) who has disappeared after the events of the first game. Play against an advanced, self-learning AI that tracks and adapts to your every move.Vertigo Remastered
An immersive story-driven shooter incorporating the cutting edge of VR gameplay, Vertigo Remastered is a complete overhaul and occasional reimagining of the 2016 original.Into the Radius VR
Into the Radius is a single-player survival shooter in VR. Explore the Pechorsk zone filled with surreal landscapes and dangerous anomalies. Defend yourself with realistic firearms, recover strange artifacts, scavenge for loot, and uncover the mysteries of this unforgiving dystopian environment.Death Come True
Everything rides on your choices in this new wave interactive movie game. Experience a thrilling science fiction mystery in full-length live-action format—from genius creator of the "Danganronpa" series, Kazutaka Kodaka!Kill It With Fire: HEATWAVE
Kill It With Fire: Heatwave is a free chapter of a first-person action game about hunting spiders and causing collateral damage. The full game is OUT NOW!The Call of Karen
The Call of Karen is a PC simulation comedy game about a 1950s suburban housewife whose home is being invaded by Cthulhu. Keep up appearances in the face of an unhappy marriage, ungrateful child, and eldritch madness!Devolverland Expo
Devolverland Expo is a first-person 'marketing simulator' set within an abandoned convention center after the annual Devolver Digital game expo was mysteriously canceled.Chair F*cking Simulator
Use our innovative patented funky fresh ChairF*cker simulation tech to meet the chair of your wildest dreams.Escape the Clinic
A first-person puzzle horror game. Solve clues, find hints, discover keys, and use passwords to navigate the haunted Clinic and find a way out.Don't Be Afraid - The First Toy
Don't Be Afraid - The First Toy, is an introduction to the dramatic story of a boy kidnapped by a psychopath. Exploring the giant house of your torturer you will soon discover things worse than your childish nightmares. Take on the role of Jamie and see what phrase “The First Toy” actually means.Paper Dolls 2 纸人贰
Paper Dolls 2 is a first-person horror adventure game. A dark aura emanates from a Qing dynasty dwelling—the Yin Mansion. What happened to the once-famous Yin Family? Clues lead us to its second floor haunted by restless spirits. A truth, buried for over a hundred years, is waiting to be unraveled.Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。)
A world... where the existence of ego has faded One day, the One of Insomnia received a powerful sleeping pill. She swallowed the pill in the bathtub... and fell into a coma, Can the One who has fallen into the spiritual world escape from coma? Can the ego grow after getting out?Horror games have a unique ability to evoke fear, suspense, and adrenaline, drawing players into chilling narratives and terrifying environments. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, there’s something thrilling about facing your fears in a virtual world.
What Makes a Great Horror Game?
Atmosphere
A great horror game excels in creating an immersive atmosphere. This is achieved through a combination of haunting sound design, eerie visuals, and unsettling environments. The right soundtrack can heighten tension, while ambient sounds can make players feel as though they are not alone. Games like {game_name_link:2124490} and {game_name_link:57300} are prime examples of how atmosphere can enhance the horror experience.
Storytelling
Compelling storytelling is crucial in horror games. A well-crafted narrative can draw players in, making them emotionally invested in the characters and their fates. Games that weave intricate plots with unexpected twists, such as {game_name_link:1196590} and {game_name_link:1304930} keep players on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Gameplay Mechanics
Effective gameplay mechanics are essential for maintaining tension. Many horror games incorporate puzzles, resource management, and survival elements that force players to think critically while under pressure. The balance between combat and stealth can also significantly impact the experience, as seen in titles like {game_name_link:268050} and {game_name_link:1693980}.
Top Categories of Horror Games
Survival Horror
Survival horror games focus on resource management and the struggle to survive against overwhelming odds. Players often find themselves in terrifying situations with limited ammunition and health, making every decision critical. Notable examples include {game_name_link:883710} and {game_name_link:282140}.
Psychological Horror
Psychological horror games delve into the mind, creating fear through atmosphere and narrative rather than relying solely on jump scares. These games often explore themes of madness and existential dread. Titles like {game_name_link:391720} and {game_name_link:2124490} exemplify this category.
Action Horror
Action horror games combine horror elements with fast-paced action and combat. Players face hordes of enemies while navigating terrifying environments. Games like {game_name_link:782330} and {game_name_link:1684930} offer thrilling gameplay that keeps players engaged while delivering scares.
Indie Horror
Indie horror games often showcase creativity and unique experiences that set them apart from mainstream titles. These games can range from short, atmospheric experiences to longer narratives. Notable indie horror games include {game_name_link:739630} and {game_name_link:424840}.
How to Choose the Right Horror Game for You
Personal Preferences
Consider what type of horror you enjoy most. Do you prefer psychological tension, jump scares, or action-packed gameplay? Understanding your preferences will help you select a game that aligns with your tastes.
Game Length
Horror games vary in length, with some offering short, intense experiences and others providing lengthy narratives. Check the average playtime of a game to ensure it fits your gaming schedule.
Multiplayer vs. Single Player
Decide whether you want to experience horror alone or with friends. Multiplayer horror games, like {game_name_link:739630} can be more fun and less intimidating when shared with others, while single-player titles often provide a more immersive and personal experience.
Tips for Enhancing Your Horror Gaming Experience
Play in the Right Environment
To fully immerse yourself in the horror experience, consider playing in a dark room with minimal distractions. Using headphones can significantly enhance the sound design, making every creak and whisper feel more intense. The right environment can amplify the fear factor and make the gameplay more engaging.
Adjust Settings
Take the time to adjust the graphics and sound settings to suit your preferences. Increasing the brightness can help if you find it too dark, while tweaking the sound settings can enhance the atmospheric effects. Many horror games also offer options for subtitles, which can help you catch important dialogue and enhance immersion.
Play with Friends
If you’re feeling apprehensive about playing a horror game alone, consider teaming up with friends. Multiplayer horror games, like {game_name_link:739630} or {game_name_link:381210} can provide a shared experience that makes the scares more enjoyable. Plus, having friends around can lighten the mood during particularly tense moments.
What are the best horror games for beginners?
For newcomers to the horror genre, titles like {game_name_link:424840} and {game_name_link:883710} offer accessible gameplay with engaging stories and manageable scares. These games provide a good balance of challenge and enjoyment without overwhelming players.
Are there any free horror games on Steam?
Yes, there are several free horror games available on Steam. Titles like {game_name_link:698780} and {game_name_link:223710} offer unique horror experiences without any cost. Keep an eye on the indie section for more free options.
How do I find new horror games?
To discover new horror games, utilize the filtering options on this page. You can search by user ratings or release date to find the latest and most popular horror titles.
What should I do if a game is too scary?
If you find a game too frightening, consider taking breaks or playing with friends to ease the tension. You can also adjust the difficulty settings if available, or watch gameplay videos to familiarize yourself with the game before diving in.
The world of horror games on Steam is vast and varied, offering something for every type of player. Whether you prefer survival horror, psychological thrills, or action-packed scares, there’s a title waiting to send chills down your spine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles and gameplay mechanics to find what resonates with you.
Be sure to check back regularly for updates, as we’ll continue to add new horror games and keep you informed about the latest releases in the genre. Happy gaming, and may your nightmares be thrilling!
Most played horror games on Steam
Take a look at the top horror games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 03rd 2025.
1. R.E.P.O.
An online co-op horror game with up to 6 players. Locate valuable, fully physics-based objects and handle them with care as you retrieve and extract to satisfy your creator's desires. R.E.P.O. is a horror, online co-op and comedy game developed and published by semiwork. Released on February 26th 2025 has received 141,665 reviews of which 136,708 were positive and 4,957 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played horror game, thanks to its 88,625 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. Dead by Daylight
Trapped forever in a realm of eldritch evil where even death is not an escape, four determined Survivors face a bloodthirsty Killer in a vicious game of nerve and wits. Pick a side and step into a world of tension and terror with horror gaming's best asymmetrical multiplayer. Dead by Daylight is a horror, multiplayer and survival horror game developed and published by Behaviour Interactive Inc.. Released on June 14th 2016 has received 790,041 reviews of which 624,264 were positive and 165,777 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. While seeing 32,633 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among horror games based on player count.3. Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is a 4 player online co-op psychological horror. Paranormal activity is on the rise and it’s up to you and your team to use all the ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal in order to gather as much evidence as you can. Phasmophobia is a horror, online co-op and multiplayer game developed and published by Kinetic Games. Released on September 18th 2020 has received 764,580 reviews of which 732,704 were positive and 31,876 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 13,041 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among horror games based on player count.4. Resident Evil 4
Survival is just the beginning. Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors, tracks the president's kidnapped daughter to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals. Resident Evil 4 is a horror, action and survival horror game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on March 23rd 2023 has received 177,409 reviews of which 173,330 were positive and 4,079 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 5,930 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played horror games.5. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Take back the city of Tertium from hordes of bloodthirsty foes in this intense and brutal action shooter. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the new co-op focused experience from the award-winning team behind the Vermintide series. As Tertium falls, Rejects Will Rise. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a action-adventure, horror and combat game developed and published by Fatshark. Released on November 30th 2022 has received 111,408 reviews of which 78,904 were positive and 32,504 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 4,194 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played horror games.6. Lethal Company
A co-op horror about scavenging at abandoned moons to sell scrap to the Company. Lethal Company is a online co-op, horror and first-person game developed and published by Zeekerss. Released on October 23rd 2023 has received 485,075 reviews of which 471,550 were positive and 13,525 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 4,095 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played horror games.7. Dying Light
First-person action survival game set in a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by flesh-hungry zombies. Roam a city devastated by a mysterious virus epidemic. Scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, and face hordes of the infected. Dying Light is a zombies, survival horror and horror game developed and published by Techland. Released on January 27th 2025 has received 455,236 reviews of which 433,404 were positive and 21,832 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,979 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played horror games.8. The Forest
As the lone survivor of a passenger jet crash, you find yourself in a mysterious forest battling to stay alive against a society of cannibalistic mutants. Build, explore, survive in this terrifying first person survival horror simulator. The Forest is a open world survival craft, survival and open world game developed and published by Endnight Games Ltd. Released on April 30th 2018 has received 624,252 reviews of which 596,422 were positive and 27,830 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 3,953 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played horror games.9. The Outlast Trials
Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends. Whether you go through the trials alone or in teams, if you survive long enough and complete the therapy, Murkoff will happily let you leave… but will you be the same? The Outlast Trials is a horror, multiplayer and co-op game developed and published by Red Barrels. Released on March 05th 2024 has received 65,567 reviews of which 61,275 were positive and 4,292 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 3,638 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played horror games.10. SCP: Secret Laboratory
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape. SCP: Secret Laboratory is a free to play, multiplayer and horror game developed and published by Northwood Studios. Released on December 29th 2017 has received 212,134 reviews of which 194,042 were positive and 18,092 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 3,190 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played horror games.Best deals on horror games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of horror games available on Steam right now, updated on May 03rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted horror games.
1. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,708 reviews of which 5,436 were positive and 272 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for horror category.2. My Friendly Neighborhood
Something scary is happening with everyone's favorite Saturday morning puppet show, The Friendly Neighborhood! Play as Gordon, a repairman sent to get to the bottom of this disturbing dilemma. Fend off puppets and solve puzzles in this survival horror adventure. My Friendly Neighborhood is a singleplayer, survival horror and funny game developed by John Szymanski and Evan Szymanski and published by DreadXP. Released on July 18th 2023 has received 2,732 reviews of which 2,613 were positive and 119 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in horror games.3. Observation
Observation is a sci-fi thriller uncovering what happened to Dr. Emma Fisher, and the crew of her mission, through the lens of the station’s artificial intelligence S.A.M. Observation is a indie, adventure and space game developed by No Code and published by Devolver Digital. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 4,742 reviews of which 3,718 were positive and 1,024 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in horror games.4. There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition
Battle your way through the grim Underground world in this brutal action-adventure RPG. Exterminate hordes of enemies, fight dangerous bosses and explore the world the way you want! There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition is a fantasy, horror and souls-like game developed by Zelart and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on September 19th 2022 has received 876 reviews of which 635 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for horror games.5. DARQ: Complete Edition
DARQ tells the story of Lloyd, a boy who finds himself in the middle of a lucid nightmare. Unable to wake up, Lloyd has to face his fears and decipher the meaning of the dream. DARQ: Complete Edition is a horror, dark and adventure game developed and published by Unfold Games. Released on August 15th 2019 has received 3,994 reviews of which 3,753 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for horror games.6. Outlast 2
Outlast 2 introduces you to Sullivan Knoth and his followers, who left our wicked world behind to give birth to Temple Gate, a town, deep in the wilderness and hidden from civilization. Knoth and his flock are preparing for the tribulations of the end of times and you’re right in the thick of it. Outlast 2 is a horror, psychological horror and survival horror game developed and published by Red Barrels. Released on April 24th 2017 has received 55,116 reviews of which 50,337 were positive and 4,779 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for horror games.7. Maid of Sker
Maid of Sker is a first-person survival horror, set in a remote hotel with a gory and macabre history from Welsh folklore. Brave the nightmares of the Quiet Ones. Do not panic…don’t even breathe! Maid of Sker is a horror, adventure and action game developed and published by Wales Interactive. Released on July 28th 2020 has received 2,177 reviews of which 1,718 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for horror games.8. Mediterranea Inferno
Explore the inner demons of three childhood friends on a summer retreat. Unearth secrets, fears and obsessions as you help them reconnect and rediscover themselves. A mature and treacherous visual novel from the creator of Milky Way Prince – The Vampire Star. Mediterranea Inferno is a lgbtq+, choose your own adventure and visual novel game developed by Eyeguys and Lorenzo Redaelli and published by Santa Ragione. Released on August 24th 2023 has received 417 reviews of which 344 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for horror games.9. Ad Infinitum
When reality is a nightmare, nightmares become real. In this psychological horror game, you fight the terrifying creatures invading your mind. Can you save your sanity? Ad Infinitum is a horror, action and psychological horror game developed by Hekate and published by Nacon. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 870 reviews of which 702 were positive and 168 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for horror games.10. West of Dead
Descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this cover-based shooter which combines the fluidity of twin-stick controls and tactical cover usage. Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds. West of Dead is a replay value, rogue-like and western game developed by Upstream Arcade and published by Raw Fury. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 1,990 reviews of which 1,444 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for horror games.Free horror games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play horror games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 03rd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play horror games.